Discover Lost City: 4-Day Hike in Santa Marta
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4d
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Are you ready to embark on one of the most exciting treks in South America? The Colombia Lost City Tour will take you through the exuberant jungle of the Sierra Nevada, where you will discover amazing secrets and impressive landscapes. Explore archaeological ruins and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. But be prepared: this adventure requires a good physical condition, since the daily walks last 7 to 8 hours. Do you dare to accept the challenge?
✅ INCLUDES: Ground transportation (Santa Marta historic center, Taganga and Rodadero; sectors of red grounds, beautiful horizon and airport must pay an additional 20,000), Food, Local Guide and English translator, Entrance to the archaeological zone, contribution to indigenous and peasant communities, accommodation in hammocks, beds (with mosquito nets and blankets), travel insurance, snack at some points of the trip.
Available options
MINIMUM RESERVE TWO PEOPLE
MINIMUM RESERVE TWO PEOPLE<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Travel insurance
Local guide of the area and English translator.
Snack and fruit at some points along the route
Entrance to the archaeological zone
3 dinners
Air-conditioned vehicle
Tour Guide in Spanish and English
4 lunches
3 breakfasts
Accommodation in hammocks/beds with mosquito nets and blankets
Detailed itinerary
1
Day 1: SANTA MARTA – MAMEY. camp 1
Imagine starting your adventure at the Expotur office at 9:30 am, where you will board a 4x4 truck for an exciting 2 ½ hour trip to the Mamey region. There, you will enjoy a delicious lunch before beginning your search for the sacred place of the Tayronas in La Ciudad Perdida. At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive at Camp 1, surrounded by rivers, natural pools and waterfalls to relax. After a comforting dinner, you will rest in a hammock prepared for you. Are you ready for the adventure?
Lodging: Night in camp with showers, bathrooms, beds and hammocks to rest and spend the night.
Meals: Lunch Dinner
2
Stop 2
DAY 2. Wake up early to enjoy a delicious breakfast before beginning your trek through the Buritaca river valley. Along the way, you will discover the Kogui indigenous village of Mutanshi and experience the natural diversity of the Sierra Nevada jungle. After approximately 7 hours of walking, you will arrive at Camp 3 to enjoy a well-deserved meal and rest.
3
Stop 3
DAY 3. Start your day early with an energizing breakfast before beginning the exciting ascent to the Lost City. Climb 1,200 steps built by the Tayronas to reach this magical place full of relics and ancestral stories. There, your guide will show you the secrets of the city while you enjoy impressive landscapes and take photos to remember. After a comforting lunch, you will return the same way to Camp 2 for dinner and rest.
Lodging: Night in the camp of the peasant population of the region, with beds and hammocks to rest and spend the night.
Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner
4
Stop 4
DAY 4. Begin your last day of adventure with an energizing breakfast before continuing your way back to the starting point. Along the way, you will find rivers and waterfalls to cool off before arriving at Mamey to enjoy a delicious lunch. There, a van will be waiting for you to take you back to the city of Santa Marta, where you will arrive around 5:00 p.m. after having fully enjoyed an enriching experience in the magical Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
What's not included
Breakfast the first day
Alcoholic beverages
Mules to carry luggage
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.0
1 reviews
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a vibrant coastal city in Colombia, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and as the gateway to the iconic Tayrona National Park. This city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination on the Caribbean coast.
Top Attractions
Tayrona National Park
A stunning national park with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for hiking, camping, and relaxing.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Moderate (Entry fee around $10-15 USD)
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A historic hacienda and museum dedicated to the life of Simón Bolívar, Colombia's legendary liberator.
Historical
2-3 hours
Budget (Entry fee around $2-5 USD)
Taganga
A charming fishing village with a laid-back vibe, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Beach
Half day or full day
Budget to Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter with rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, and arepa.
Lunch
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Arepas
Cornmeal cakes, often stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Appetizer
Contains seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tayrona National Park
Trek to Ciudad Perdida
Surfing in Palomino
Beach relaxation in El Rodadero
Spa treatments
Coffee tasting in Minca
Visiting Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Exploring Centro Histórico
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the dry season, offering sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
26°C to 32°C
79°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Santa Marta is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
- • Use licensed taxis or app-based services
Getting there
By air
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport • 20 km from city center
By bus
Terminal de Transporte de Santa Marta
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded and slow.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
El Rodadero
Centro Histórico
Gairiga
Day trips
Minca
40 km • Full day or overnight
A picturesque mountain town known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and eco-lodges.
Palomino
80 km • Full day or overnight
A laid-back beach town with beautiful white sand beaches and a relaxed vibe.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
40 km • Multi-day trek (4-5 days)
A challenging trek through the jungle to an ancient ruins site, older than Machu Picchu.
Festivals
Festival de la Autenticidad • January
Carnaval de Santa Marta • February/March (before Lent)
Feria de las Flores • July
Pro tips
- Visit Tayrona National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Take a boat tour to the nearby islands for a unique experience
- Explore the local markets for fresh produce and souvenirs
- Try the local coffee and seafood dishes
- Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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